Chapter 2Betrayed by My Bestie, I Snagged the Campus Hottie

She said something odd, too. "Why are you dressing up so fancy for his birthday? People might think it's a proposal or something."

I heard a hint of mockery in her words, but when I turned to look at her, she was just staring at her phone.

When I arrived at the private room, Liam wasn't there yet.

I knew Liam's friends, and they sat next to me, teasing, "Amber, you're all dressed up today. Are you going to confess to Liam?"

"Good luck! If it works out, you have to treat us all to drinks!"

"Sure," I agreed with a smile.

Liam arrived half an hour later. Everyone was pushing me, ready to shove me in front of Liam as soon as he opened the door.

But we didn't expect him to appear holding Rachel's hand.

The hands pushing me suddenly stopped.

The atmosphere instantly became awkward. I stood there holding a bouquet of flowers, completely out of place.

Rachel spoke first, "Liam, look at the flowers Amber bought for you. Thank her."

Liam tightened his grip on Rachel's hand. "You're so generous."

Then he turned to me and said perfunctorily, "Thanks, Amber."

For the rest of the time, I hid in a corner, staring at my out-of-place dress and feeling utterly foolish.

So, the feelings that all his friends knew about – how could he not have known?

So, because I wasn't pretty enough, I was destined not to win his affection, but Rachel, whom he had only known for a short time, could.

The couch beside me dipped as Rachel sat down.

There was a smile on her face that didn't reach her eyes as she apologized to me, "I'm sorry, Amber. I didn't tell you we were together."

"But you can't control these things. You should face reality."

I looked at her, shocked. I never expected Rachel, whom I'd known for years, to be like this.

She dismissed my confusion with disdain. "Don't you get it? He likes pretty girls."

I didn't say anything. I couldn't argue.

For the rest of the evening, Liam blew out his candles and then hugged and kissed Rachel under the lights.

At that moment, I decided I didn't want to like Liam anymore, and I didn't want to be friends with Rachel either.

I put Liam's house key from my pocket into Rachel's bag. As I was about to leave, Rachel grabbed me.

Her beautiful eyes were even more captivating at that moment, and she spoke with a pitiful tone, "Amber, I know you're mad at me. But I'm sorry, you can't force someone to like you. I'll take good care of Liam."

For a moment, I was stunned. Not just me, but Liam's friends were too.

She was doing this on purpose, humiliating me in front of everyone.

I wanted to say something, but Liam beat me to it.

"What are you talking about? Amber and I are just bros. I don't like her that way. Right, Amber?"

Fighting back tears, I looked at Liam and Rachel in the silent room. "Yes, I used to like Liam. But from today on, I will never like Liam again. If I do, may I drop dead."

After I said this, Liam's expression changed drastically.

"And Rachel, I don't want to be friends with you anymore. You disgust me."

With that, I left. But as soon as I was out the door, Liam caught up with me.

His voice was cold, "Amber, apologize to Rachel."

I shook off his hand. "Apologize my ass. I was an idiot for ever liking you."

Seeing Liam's shocked expression, I turned and left. This time, he didn't follow.

I walked down the street in my dress, shoulders hunched, sobbing uncontrollably. I cried for a long time before I noticed someone behind me.

Through my tear-filled eyes, I saw a guy in a black hoodie standing not far away, watching me.

He was pretty handsome. I crouched down, picked up a brick, and pointed it at him. "If you keep following me, I'll fight you to the death."

My shout made everyone around look at me and the guy.

The guy frowned slightly and walked towards me. "Wipe your tears and see who I am."

I didn't have any tissues, and I had been sniffling back my runny nose. How could I wipe?

The guy sighed and rummaged in his pocket, but came up empty.